DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1922, Page 7

DISTRICT NEWS.

OAKURA. (From Our Own What miglit have been a very serious accident, took place at the Oakura. bridge on Friday afternoon. It seems that Mr. K. Gray, of Okato, had just passed a lorry at a narrow part of the road near the bridge, and in his endeavor to cross, struck the wall on the left-hand side, and was thrown across the bridge again, striking the opposite wall. As a result of the second impact, the car almost turned turtle, and Mr. Gray and his companion had to crawl out to free themselves. Were it not for the fact, that the walls are built of solid concrete, it is very probable that the ear with its two occupants would have been flung Into the deepest • part of the Oakura river and the occupants drowned. After the accident, a number of willing helpers assembled and removed the vehicle from the road, when it was found that two wheels were very badly damaged, and the left mudguards almost torn off. Last week Captain Mace, Mrs. Mills and Miss Mills returned from Waitara, where the captain spent a week revisiting the scenes of battles in which he took part against the Maoris many years ago. Although now well advanced in age. Captain Mace still looks hale and hearty and full of energy.

The farm recently sold by Mr. Sharrock has been taken over by Mr. Thomas, of Westown, New Plymouth.

On Thursday, 2nd Inst., the district hall was booked for a meeting in the interests of the Prohibition party, but probably the. condition of the weather prevented the speakers putting in an appearance. OTAKEHO. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Although we are usually subject to torrential rain on Labor Day, this year was only marked by a strong nor’-westerly wind, heavy gusts sweeping over the countryside. The tennis court is, however, so remarkably sheltered, that one could hardly believe such a gate was raging outside, and it was within this shelter, where the majority spent their holiday. A very dainty, and much appreciated afternoon fea was served by the ladies, and some very good tennis was witnessed. It was remarkable to note that none of our local sports journeyed to Waverley this year—perhaps they were afraid of a repetition of last year’s rain I A recent visitor to Otakeho could not help remarking on our up-to-date little township and the pride taken in It by the settlers. Our beautifully-lined hall, with its dressing, supper rooms and up-to-date kitchen. The little Anglican church with its pipe organ and beau-tifully-kept flower-beds and lawn, compares quite favorably with most town churches. The schoolgrounds are an absolute picture, and the rockeries one blaze of red and yellow. The school gardens undoubtedly reflect great credit on our schoolmaster (Mr. Bailie). The tennis court is also on the school grounds, and the lawns surrounding it are in keeping with the rest for neatness. We are pleased to see a start has at last been made on the new Kaupokonui bridge. The old one is in a very bad state, and was becoming a menace to the travelling public. The Otakeho, too, will soon be needing attention. We stated in our former notes that we were free from winds. We should have touched wood, for we have had strong winds every day for the past month, and although we have had rain, the wind soon dries everything up, which is rather disheartening to we farmers. However, if the wind insists on blowing, we are determined to keep on smiling—it is the only way to win through. Miss McHardie. who had to relinquish duties for a week on account of illness, resumed last Monday. Miss E. Surgenor acted as relieving teacher during her absence. Mr. E. Andrews, who has riot been altogether in the '‘pink.” left on Thursday morning for Auckland. We trust, the change will prove beneficial. Mrs. Mackie Is spending a few days in Waverley with her mother, Mrs. Hone. Miss Rawlinson spent the week-end with her sister, Mrs. Shaw, of Okato. Mr. Ed. Young, Stratford, spent the weekend in Otakeho.